Plan a fulfilling third chapter!

At a key moment in the twenty-first century, demographers are recognizing the significance of a distinct developmental phase: those years following early adulthood and middle age when we are "neither young nor old." Whether by choice or not, many of us in our "third chapters" are finding ways to adapt, explore, and channel our energies, skills, and passions in new ways and into new areas.

It's this process of creative reinvention that the renowned sociologist Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot details in The Third Chapter, which redefines our views about the casualties and opportunities of aging. She challenges the still-prevailing images of aging by documenting and revealing how the years between fifty and seventy-five may, in fact, be the most transformative and generative time in our lives, tracing the ways in which wisdom, experience, and new learning inspire individual growth and cultural transformation.

If you are a woman over 50, the NEXT Retreat on September 18-21, 2025 in Lake Junaluska is a gift to yourself to define your own third chapter. You'll have a private room, private bath, and a supportive community around you in a beautiful setting. Let us know if you are ready by visiting https://nextchapterretreat.org and letting us know you're interested!

Create a community that welcomes productive conflict!

Conflict is part of human interaction but doesn't have to involve fear, anger and even violence. There is a way for each of us to manage it productively and there is a tool called Everything DiSC Productive Conflict that will give you this:

 -Appreciate how your style of handling conflict affects those around you

-Learn how to “catch” yourself when going down a destructive conflict path

-Learn how to reframe a conflict situation and choose more productive behaviors

-Build a common language in your workplace or community around appropriate conflict behavior

The 22-page Everything DiSC® Productive Conflict Profile provides an in-depth, highly personalized report that highlights techniques to improve self-awareness around conflict behaviors. You can explore your own DiSC style and learn how to interact in conflict with people with different DiSC styles, you can explore common destructive responses to conflict and why you and others might react this way, then practice stepping back from and reframing your unhealthy thought patterns, allowing you to choose more productive responses to conflict.

Create a community that welcomes productive conflict - DM me today for a demo!

Choose the best person for the role you’re looking to fill!

Choosing the best person for the role you’re looking to fill is a gift now with turnover high and engagement low. PXT Select is an assessment you can give your finalists that matches their results with your ideal colleague and produces 13 reports you can use over their tenure with you. And the first report gives you targeted and personalized interview questions!

Here are just a few samples of the information you will get from this assessment - including Thinking Style (verbal and math skills), Behavioral Traits (work behavior preferences) and Interests (seeing if they will like the role). DM me for a demo or more information.

Live your life from the inside out.

Ramesh Srinivasan and just released a book titled “The Journey of Leadership: How CEOs Can Learn to Lead from the Inside Out. They acknowledge that the world is changing rapidly, geopolitics have become quite complex, technology is having a huge impact, and climate change is here to stay.

In this context, they felt the world needed a new paradigm of leadership and call it human-centric leadership. They propose that leaders need to reflect on their purpose, who they are, how they show up in the world, and how they can inspire their teams and the institutions they’re leading.

We can apply this to our own lives and this kind of reflection helps us create a next chapter that is satisfying, fulfilling, meaningful, and even inspirational.

This is what happens for you at the NEXT retreat - this year it’s Sept. 18-21, 2025. You will give yourself the gift of time and a beautiful setting to reflect on your purpose at this time in your life, how you show up in the world, what gives you joy, and what you need to let go of.

We only accept 10 women and we have a pretty awesome group forming so reserve your spot now! DM Linda Christopherson or me to get answers to any questions you have.

https://nextchapterretreat.org/

Move from disengaged to “let’s do this!”

The way we “team” is more complex than ever before. Whether we are collaborating in person, through screens, or a little of both, building a successful team can be daunting. But what if it doesn’t have to be?

Through impactful virtual and classroom learning experiences that empower your team members through self-discovery and constructive behavior modeling, The Five Behaviors is the only team development solution that rewrites the traditional rules for teamwork to build stronger teams. You can transform the team dynamic on any team from disengaged to “let’s do this!”.

DM me for more information!

Give yourself or someone you know the gift of coming to NEXT 2025

In this time of political turmoil, hybrid work and rapid technological changes, it is important to stay centered and plan your next chapter in a supportive community of fellow life travelers. We only accept 10 women maximum and spaces are filling up. Come to NEXT 2025 - September 18-21, 2025 in Lake Junaluska with a private room and bath to think about yourself and your vision for your next chapter. Linda and Karen ask the questions and each person answers them for themselves. Visit https://nextchapterretreat.org/ for more information, ask us anything, and register to give this gift to yourself.

Register for NEXT 2025 or tell a friend!

If you are a 50+ woman ready to plan and create the third chapter of your life, come to NEXT 2025! Along with a small cohort of peers, design a life with purpose and productivity, personalizing all of these elements:

*Meaningful purpose
*Spiritual enrichment
*Skill development
*Community connections
*Physical, mental, emotional health
*Your legacy
*Educational opportunities
*Nurturing relationships
*Healthy lifestyle

The power of the program arises from the intentional community we will build through large and small-group discussions, silent reflection, journaling, and other creative ways to engage. We will share a beautiful retreat designed to be a space of beauty, contemplation and rejuvenation while we plan a third chapter that builds on the wisdom gained in your early years, but reaches for more than simply slowing down in retirement.

Let me or Linda know you are interested or visit https://nextchapterretreat.org/ for more information. Register early - spots are filling up quickly!

Learn about the Five Behaviors Personal Development profile and Unleash your Organization’s Teamwork!

Register for this virtual one-hour “Unleash the Power of Teamwork” showcase (at no cost to you) this Thursday Feb. 20 from noon-1 EST where you will:

*Learn about the powerful Five Behaviors model, its groundbreaking approach to team development, and how it can be leveraged to unlock the power of teamwork in your organization at all levels

*Preview The Five Behaviors Personal Development solution

*Receive a complimentary Personal Development assessment and personalized profile

Here’s why: The way we work is fundamentally changing. Between technological advances and a global economy, it’s becoming harder to keep up. Organizations are responding by adopting matrixed organizational structures that enable agility and cross-functional collaboration, but also create a new set of challenges. The ability for individuals within an organization to work together effectively and productively is now more critical than ever—it’s time to rewrite the rules of teamwork. The Five Behaviors® can be your solution.

The Five Behaviors Personal Development is based on best-selling author Patrick Lencioni’s ground-breaking model for developing high-performing teams through five key behaviors: Trust, Conflict, Commitment, Accountability, and Results. This powerful solution teaches participants the critical behaviors and interpersonal skills needed to be effective team players on any team by combining this powerful team model with personalized insights. The result is a unique and impactful team development solution that empowers team members to shape their behaviors, increase

Let me know you’re interested and I’ll get you registered!

What is your DISC Super Bowl Style?

With credit to Petya Beckett with PeopleKeys:

The Big Game is today: if you have friends whose behavior during The Big Game amazes you, then you can bet their behavior is related to their personality style.

There are many personality models, but the most accurate – DISC by Dr. William Marston, distinguishes four main personality styles. We can have one primary style or a combination of these.

You may have one person who will jump in front of the screen, wave his hands, yell at the referees and to try to tell them what to do, pace around nervously, and act like he is about to jump on the field to kick the ball himself! Don’t be surprised – this is the “D” Personality Style. He may want to take charge and be in control. If things, however, are not going well for him, try to leave him alone until he restores his composure as a “D” style really can’t stand a loss.

If someone acts like a “chatterbox,” this is definitely a sign of an “I” Personality Style. He certainly likes to be the center of attention and is charming enough to get everyone’s eyes on him. With this sparkling personality around you, keep in mind you may happen to miss some of the tense moments of the game as he simply will not stop talking and might even just turn the TV sound off so he doesn’t have to yell to compete with the game sounds. He will use the commercial breaks to go online and share his impressions and feelings over the game and will make sure to post photos of everyone around him during the game gathering to let the world know how amazing his friends and family are.

In your group of friends or family members, there may be one who will embrace creating a high energy level, cozy atmosphere and happy mood with a variety of delicious snacks. These people are usually the invisible driving force of any family event as they simply love to take care of others and see their happy and content faces. This is person is the “S” Personality Style. They will not fight for control, but instead work with others to create an enjoyable environment for everyone during the game. So consider yourself lucky if you have some of these caring people.

If during the Super Bowl you become a little confused as to why the referee made a particular decision or wonder what the score is, turn to the one friend who “knows it all”. You can’t stump this person with any question as he is like a walking encyclopedia and knows all stats, not only for the ongoing game, but for all other 52 super big games in the past. This is the “C” Personality Style, and you can always count on him to be able to explain all the rules, exceptions and stories around each of the teams, players and even the history of this exciting game. And he will likelyhave already calculated all rates and chances for both sides. You can also bet he already knows who will win!

Now, you can use your newly acquired knowledge of human behavior with your friends and family during the Super Bowl game.

New! Manager modules on Catalyst!

We are excited to share an exciting innovation coming in 2025 from Everything DiSC®: manager modules!

Modules are a short form learning experience, typically delivered in less than an hour, and applies Everything DiSC concepts to a topic of timely importance in today’s workplace. For example, a “Giving Constructive Feedback” module could be delivered to learners in your organization around year-end reviews.

The full launch of all five manager modules on Catalyst will be tentatively planned for late summer 2025.

Once launched, manager modules will only be available on Catalyst. Be sure to utilize the free upgrade to get learners on Catalyst and ensure readiness to take advantage of the manager modules!

In addition to Empowering Direct Reports, the other modules will include topics such as Giving Constructive Feedback, Conflict Management, Motivating Direct Reports, and Change Management.

Unleash the power of your teamwork!

To keep up with the pace of change and ways of working, we need the skills and knowledge to be effective team members. That’s where The Five Behaviors® can provide a solution.

Sign up for the 1-hour virtual showcase (at no charge), “Unleash the Power of Teamwork,” and learn how The Five Behaviors gives us the skills we need to thrive and amplify the work of others in team settings.

Based on best-selling author Patrick Lencioni’s ground-breaking model, The Five Behaviors Personal Development builds high-performing teams by emphasizing five key behaviors: Trust, Conflict, Commitment, Accountability, and Results. By providing personalized insights, the solution teaches us the behaviors and interpersonal skills we need to be effective on any team.

For attending the showcase, you receive a complimentary Personal Development assessment and personalized profile to experience the solution for yourself. Talk to me after the event, and I’ll set you up.

Through the virtual showcase, you will:

• Learn about The Five Behaviors model, its approach to team development, and how you can use it to revolutionize teamwork in your organization at all levels

• Preview The Five Behaviors Personal Development solution

• Receive a complimentary Personal Development assessment and profile

To sign up for the virtual showcase on Feb. 20, noon - 1 pm, contact me, and I’ll take care of the registration. If you have any questions, just DM me.

Make your Leadership Development efforts successful!

According to McKinsey, our organizations make 4 common mistakes when they set out to develop leaders. Here are ways to avoid those and make your efforts succeed.

1. Before planning a leadership initiative, ask yourselves "what, precisely is this program for?". That answer will help you identify a small number of competencies that will make a significant difference to your performance.

2. Tie leadership development to real on-the-job projects that have a buseinss impact and improve learning. Don't just provide the benefit of going off-site and reflecting.

3. Identify the mindsets of your leaders that drive their behavior which will be uncomfortable but will make learning last. For example, promoting delegation and empowerment is good in theory, but will not last if participants have a "controlling" mindset. That mindset needs to be surfaced and replaced with something that will cause lasting change.

4. Measure the results of leadership initiatives beyond participant feedback. Track and measure changes in leadership performance over time, for example through a 360-degree feedback process at the beginning of the program followed by another one after 6-12 months. This can be modelled by the CEO who can go through this process and publish results (good and bad) for everyone to see.

Register NOW for the 2025 NEXT Retreat!

If you are a 50+ year old woman and know intuitively that there are opportunities ahead if you can leave behind a lifelong routine, a career and an identity you have claimed, consider coming to our 2025 NEXT retreat. Spots are filling up, and we will stop taking registrations when we get to 10 women! Visit https://nextchapterretreat.org/ for more information or dm me or Linda Christopherson to get your questions answered.

Give yourself the gifts of time, support, and comfort to plan your next chapter.

If you are a woman over 50, give yourself the gift of a long weekend in a beautiful, comfortable place with a supportive group and a meaningful way to plan a satisfying next chapter. We’d love to have you and limit the group size to 10.

Reserve September 18-21 and reserve your spot now!

Apply your DiSC style to enhance your goals for 2025!

We can apply our DiSC style to our New Year Resolutions to reach our dreams and accomplish our goals. Some examples are:

Health and Wellness: For D-styles, challenge yourself by setting fitness goals with specific targets, while I-styles might benefit from joining group workout sessions for motivation and social interaction.

Career Development: As C-styles, you may aim for certifications or skill enhancement, while S-styles might prefer to focus on strengthening professional connections.

Relationships: Understanding DISC can strengthen personal relationships by adapting communication styles to suit your partner's or family member's preferences, thereby fostering deeper connections and understanding.

I wish you a healthy and meaningful 2025.

Apply your DiSC style to enhance your goals for 2025!

We can apply our DiSC style to our New Year Resolutions to reach our dreams and accomplish our goals. Some examples are:

Health and Wellness: For D-styles, challenge yourself by setting fitness goals with specific targets, while I-styles might benefit from joining group workout sessions for motivation and social interaction.

Career Development: As C-styles, you may aim for certifications or skill enhancement, while S-styles might prefer to focus on strengthening professional connections.

Relationships: Understanding DISC can strengthen personal relationships by adapting communication styles to suit your partner's or family member's preferences, thereby fostering deeper connections and understanding.

I wish you a healthy and meaningful 2025.

Come to our 2025 NEXT retreat!

Our 2025 NEXT retreat is booking up fast - if a long weekend in a beautiful setting with a balance of privacy and connection, to plan the next chapter of your life, consider joining us! More information here and we are happy to answer any questions.

https://nextchapterretreat.org/

Respond to market trends successfully!

Wiley Workplace Intelligence regularly examines market forces shaping our shared future, and their November 2024 report reveals these shifts:

1. The Reality of Workplace Change. Change has become a constant in today’s workplace, but successfully navigating it is far from straightforward. According to Accenture, 70% of transformation efforts fail, largely because employees aren’t fully engaged in the process. 96% of employees report feeling stressed about change, and for 69%, unclear communication intensifies that stress.

2. Why Employee Engagement Matters. Engagement has always been a key driver of performance, but its significance is now amplified. When employees feel connected to their work and organization, they are 18% more productive, according to Gallup. Conversely, disengagement costs the U.S. economy $1.9 trillion in lost productivity each year. As the C-suite prioritizes engagement-driving efforts, they are recognizing key drivers such as a connection to company purpose, professional development, and enabling high-quality workplace relationships—particularly the relationship between an employee and their manager.

3. Learning and Development: A Strategic Function in the Workplace. L&D is rising in strategic importance within organizations surveyed. 60% of L&D professionals surveyed agree that their function has a new and durable seat at the decision-making table. Another change within the global Learning and Development practice is the evolution and expansion of training modalities, driven by a recognition that today’s employees require personalized, continuous, and solution-oriented learning that is integrated directly into their workflow.

4. The Growing Reliance on People Managers to Drive Professional Development As L&D’s influence grows, so does its reliance on people managers to bridge the gap between learning and real-world application. Managers play a vital role in encouraging participation in learning and providing feedback on performance. Yet many managers lack the training needed to fulfill these responsibilities. 49% of managers report severe stress levels, and nearly 60% of employees surveyed agree that their manager would benefit from additional training with a shocking 67% reporting that they’ve either quit or considered quitting their job due to poor management.

All of these trends point to the Everything DiSC suite of profiles as a valuable tool to increase engagement, link management behaviors to strategic priorities, and make change smoother. DM me for a demo!

Build your Sales Team’s Performance!

Last call for free webinar: PXT Select® in Action: Building High-Performing Sales Teams

Monday, December 2, 2024

10:00 am - 11:00 am (Chicago) | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (London)

Top salespeople play a critical role in the success of any business.

According to research from Mckinsey & Company, these top performers can be 4x more productive than bottom performers. They consistently meet (or even surpass) their sales targets, clearly understand their client’s needs, and easily adapt in all situations.

Now imagine if you could not only discover your top performers’ secret sauce—but also replicate it? You could increase sales productivity, conversion rates, and YoY growth. PXT Select® and its AI-based testing algorithms are your gateway to this transformation!

Join our virtual showcase to explore how PXT Select has propelled other organizations to sales successes—and how it can revolutionize yours! You’ll gain:

· Actionable Insights: Identify essential data to strategically evolve your sales team for a thriving future.

· Empowering Tools: Explore resources that bolster both sales leaders and their teams toward success.

· Proven Strategies: Hear success stories from various organizations and their journey with PXT Select.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see PXT Select in Action!

By attending the event, you'll earn a SHRM Recertification Professional Development credit!

DM me so I can register you and if you can’t make that time, you’ll get the recording to watch at your convenience.

Happy Thanksgiving!

4 DISC Personality Tips to De-Stress During Thanksgiving

Discover DISC personality tips to reduce stress during Thanksgiving and enjoy the holiday season with less anxiety and more joy.

The holiday season can be a time of joy—but it’s also notorious for adding stress to our lives. According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people report an increase in stress during the holidays, often due to financial pressures, time constraints, and the overwhelming hype of holiday commercialism. For many, the workplace can add to the tension, with 56% of individuals reporting that their job is more stressful than home during this time, citing reasons like heavy workloads, lack of satisfaction, and limited opportunities for advancement.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to prioritize relaxation and enjoyment—both at the office and around the dinner table. DISC offers a unique lens to approach this busy season by identifying how different personality styles can manage stress and thrive during social gatherings. Developed from William Marston'sDISC theory, this system categorizes behavior into four primary traits: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance. If you’re unfamiliar with your DISC style, consider taking a DISC personality assessment from PeopleKeys to gain valuable insights into your behavior, communication style, and productivity.

Below, we’ve provided Thanksgiving tips tailored to each DISC personality style to help you enjoy a more relaxed holiday season.

1. Thanksgiving Tip for D Personality Style

Your natural leadership skills make it tempting to take control of the kitchen—whether that’s cooking everything yourself or managing everyone else’s contributions. You’re the one who wants to set the menu, choose the desserts, and assign tasks to family members.

This year, try stepping back and allowing others to play a larger role. Focus on preparing just one simple dish instead of managing the entire meal. Take the opportunity to relax—curl up on the couch to watch the game or take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for. Letting go of some control can help you truly enjoy the holiday.

2. Thanksgiving Tip for I Personality Style

As the social butterfly of your circle, you thrive on connecting with people. Whether it’s sending out holiday invitations or curating the perfect guest list, you excel at bringing people together.

However, your excitement can sometimes lead to overlooking key details. Avoid last-minute stress by creating a plan in advance—like a grocery list or a schedule for the day. And remember to take a break from social media during the holiday. Spending quality, undistracted time with loved ones will leave you feeling recharged. Don’t worry—Facebook will still be there when you return!

3. Thanksgiving Tip for S Personality Style

Known for your dependability, you’re often the go-to person for family and friends who need support. Whether it’s running out to replace a burnt pie or peeling extra potatoes at the last minute, you’re always ready to help.

This Thanksgiving, prioritize self-care. It’s okay to say no to extra tasks or step away from being everyone’s problem-solver. By setting boundaries and making time for yourself, you can avoid burnout and enjoy the holiday—even if the turkey comes out a little crispy.

4. Thanksgiving Tip for C Personality Style

Your attention to detail makes you the ideal person to organize holiday logistics, from coordinating who’s bringing each dish to finding the best grocery deals. You’re great at crunching numbers and ensuring everything is just right.

But remember: not everything will go according to plan—and that’s okay. Try to embrace the unexpected and focus on enjoying the moment. Sometimes, the best memories come from a little chaos!